It gives me immense pleasure to learn that the Tourism Department of A&N Administration is celebrating “World Tourism Day-2021” in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since 1980, the 27th of September is celebrated as “World Tourism Day” which marks the day the statute of the United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) came into force. The day is commemorated every year to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.”
Tourism is one of the world’s most vital sectors which immensely contribute to the economic progress of a nation. The UT Administration has acknowledged tourism as a thrust area for the holistic development of the Islands. Under the aegis of Islands Development Agency (IDA) and with the cooperation of NITI Aayog, some mega tourism projects are expected to be added to the islands odyssey of success. All the upcoming projects will be ecologically sustainable and provide employment opportunities to the youth of isles. The pandemic has delayed the implementation of these projects. However, it will surely gain momentum in the days to come.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact but with the tireless efforts of all stakeholders, we have been able to control the infection of corona in the islands and reopen the tourism activities in A&N islands. This will undoubtedly help kick start the recovery and growth of the sector.
The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for carrying out various tourism related activities have been issued for strict adherence, taking into consideration the safety and wellbeing of the tourists as well as our fellow islanders. I am confident that with the concerted efforts and coordination of all stakeholders in the A&N Islands, we will surely emerge as a glittering example of safe and sustainable tourism in the country with the concept “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one Family).
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM,NM,VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor, A & N Islands
& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency